BKSAP DPR RI Holds Aspiration Absorption Forum with the theme "Strengthening Parliamentary Diplomacy for Quality Tourism" at Udayana University

Jimbaran - The Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation Agency of the House of Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia (BKSAP DPR RI) carried out a working visit to Bali Province and carried out activities in the form of a forum to absorb aspirations and innovative ideas from the regional government and various parties including students and academics. The forum with the theme "Strengthening Parliamentary Diplomacy for Quality Tourism" took place at Udayana University (Unud) Jimbaran Campus, Friday (17/1/2025).

This activity was attended by the Chairman of BKSAP DPR RI Dr. Mardani Ali Sera, M.Eng and Vice Chairperson Muhammad Husein Fadlulloh, B.Bus.,MM.,MBA, Bramantyo Suwondo, M.IR and Member Rahayu Saraswati Djojohadikusumo, DPR RI Secretariat General Team, Rector of Unud, Vice Rector IV Unud, Head Bali Provincial Tourism Office, General Chair of the Indonesian Museum Association, Representatives from Unud, ISI Denpasar and Mahasaraswati University as well as students.

Rector of Unud Prof. I Ketut Sudarsana, in his speech said that the theme raised was very suitable for the conditions in Bali, where Bali is the center of world tourism which is currently being hit by several issues that are of concern to us. The Rector expressed his appreciation to BKSAP for the initiative to organize this activity at Udayana University. The topics raised are very relevant to Indonesia's needs in encouraging quality tourism development that not only has an economic impact, but also maintains environmental and socio-cultural sustainability.

One of the advantages at Udayana University is in the field of cultural tourism and Unud has a Faculty of Tourism with Bachelor's, Master's and Doctoral study programs, as well as a Tourism Science and Technology Center of Excellence. As one of the world's leading tourism destinations, Bali has a big responsibility to be a pioneer in creating quality tourism practices.

"This is where the strategic role of parliamentary diplomacy becomes very important. Strong and focused diplomacy will open up opportunities for cross-border cooperation, support the recovery of the post-pandemic tourism sector, and encourage inclusive economic growth. As a higher education institution, Udayana University is committed to supporting the creation "synergy between academics, industry players and government," said the Rector of Unud.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of BKSAP Dr. Mardani Ali Sera on this occasion explained about the BKSAP which is mandated by Article 116 of the MD3 Law as a Council Equipment (AKD) which has the task of fostering, developing and improving friendly relations and cooperation between the DPR RI and the parliaments of other countries, providing suggestions and recommendations to the leadership of the DPR RI regarding matters of inter-parliamentary cooperation and as one of the AKDs who act as the spearhead of DPR RI diplomacy. In general, what is done is to build Soft Power Diplomacy. The scope of parliamentary diplomacy is Regional, Multilateral and Bilateral and has joined 102 Bilateral Cooperation Groups.

In his presentation, the Chairman of BKSAP also discussed tourism overview, tourism sector challenges, Quality Tourism, as well as the Role of Parliamentary Diplomacy for Quality Tourism, namely how to promote, exchange views, encourage cooperation, open bridges of collaboration and propose resolutions.

"Through this activity we sit together to discuss and get input from universities and associations, and hopefully we can produce the best output for the progress of Bali and Indonesia," said the Chair of BKSAP.

Prior to the discussion, views were conveyed from the Chairman of the Indonesian Museum Association, Putu Supadma Rudana, and the Head of the Bali Provincial Tourism Office, Tjok Bagus Pemayun. Then discuss input from academics and responses from BKSAP DPR RI members.